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I am pleased to announce that on June 14, 2013, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), after coordination with the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security, published proposed regulations to implement the Civilian Service Recognition Act of 2011 (Public Law 112-73, December 20, 2011). This law authorizes the head of an executive agency to furnish a U.S. flag to a family member or other appropriate representative of a fallen Federal employee.

We have also developed guidance to further assist agencies in administering this legislation. The guidance provides information such as eligibility criteria, and agency and beneficiary responsibilities for the Flag Recognition Benefit as well as for OPM’s Wall of Honor.

I encourage all agencies to make full use of this authority to honor those Federal employees who have made the ultimate sacrifice in support of our Nation. If you have questions, please contact Stephen T. Shih, Deputy Associate Director, Senior Executive Service and Performance Management, at (202) 606-8046 or performance-management@opm.gov. Employees should contact their agency human resources offices for assistance.